Thirty people joined the Vigil at the Embassy after a 15-mile walk to raise funds for the Zimbabwe Peace Actors’ Platform (ZimPAP) which seeks to train 100,000 civilian peacekeepers for next year’s elections.

The thirty included Margaret Munenge’s toddler Ethan (who made his mother walk twice the distance) but excluded the twins expected by heavily pregnant Etines Kapiya, who also completed the walk.

Waving posters, they were singing as they came to join us down the Strand, conveniently closed to traffic by demonstrators complaining about financial ‘austerity’ in the UK.

Ephraim Tapa, President of the Restoration of Human Rights in Zimbabwe, wondered ruefully whether the British protesters knew what austerity really was. He awarded certificates to those who completed the walk, which was organised by ROHR to help finance a joint civil society initiative to educate rural people on their constitutional rights and overcome fear and intimidation.

A graphic insight into Zimbabwean-style ‘austerity’ in the rural areas comes from a pastor in the Bulawayo area who is supported by members of the Vigil. Asked in an interview about the mood of the people, he said, ‘They are sad, very depressed. The only time they are happy is when they receive food from us.’

The pastor went on: ‘There is a lot of witchcraft going on around Zim as well as in the church. The reason is because of suffering due to the economy collapsing. Most businesses have closed down and people can’t get jobs so can’t get money to pay their bills, or buy food, or school fees, or get treated for their illnesses. There is a high level of corruption and as a result people seek the services of false prophets and nyangas.

‘There is a group of intercessors at Nkulumane. The pastor’s son (6) was stolen. The intercessors began to pray and alerted us to pray when the child had been missing for two days. The person who had kidnapped the child also stole three other children. On the third day he was travelling in his car, on the way to South Africa, when it broke down. He asked for help from three male passers-by and one of them (related to the pastor) recognized the missing child. They asked where the boy was going to and they became aggressive with the driver and even threatened to kill him. The driver pleaded with them to allow him to phone his boss in South Africa and the South African offered them USD20 000 if they promised not to report the case. However the men phoned the police, who came out and took the man in and towed the car to the police station. The number of the South African was also given to the police. The boys were all returned safely to their families. Sadly we cannot be sure the police will take action as they are greedy for money.

‘In the newspaper it was reported that a girl (15) was found in a state of decomposition with body parts missing. Four families came to claim the body hoping it was their child. Also in many churches leaders are focusing on miracles and healing for which the congregation have to pay.’

The pastor added: ‘Jealousy is widespread among families because they cannot meet their basic needs, especially if one part of the family has children supporting them from outside the country. Because the needs are so great people are just looking out for themselves and neglecting other relatives. Married couples are breaking up bitterly and often the children are deserted. I have many times tried to bring some new street kids back to the family but often the parents don’t even want them. The children say they are happier to be away from the relatives.

‘Very old people are also deserted by the family members who leave and never send anything for them. I have many grandparents now.

‘Another thing that is difficult for me is children dying from malnutrition; up to five a month. At the cemetery in Luveve the ground is spreading with children’s graves. According to traditional beliefs if a child is less than three months the women are expected to bury the child, especially very elderly women. This is very difficult to watch. These things keep us on our knees.’

Thanks to Daizy Fabian who organised the walk and to Sipho Ndlovu who worked out the route from Ilford to the Vigil. Sipho recently cycled 324 miles to raise funds for ZimPAP. Thanks to all the walkers: George Chinamora, Enniah Dube, Daizy Fabian, Joshua Kahari, Etines Kapiya, Fungayi Mabhunu, Gloria Mabika, Alice Majola, Chido Makawa, Heather Makawa, Michelle Makoni, Rosemary Maponga, Charles Mararirakwenda, Patricia Masamba, Nyarai Masango, Nyarai Masvosva, Cephas Maswoswa, Margaret Munenge (and Ethan), Esther Munyira, Fungisai Mupandira, Charles Mupawose, Sally Mutseyami, Faith Ndhlovu, Sipho Ndlovu, Rumbidzayi Sambana, Maxmus Savanhu, Michael Sirewu, Xoliso Sithole and Ephraim Tapa. Special thanks from Daizy to: Bianca Mpawanenda for providing water, to Chido (head of first aiders) and the other first aiders: Rosemary, Fungisai, Patricia and Michelle. Thanks also to the marshals: Maxmus, Fungayi, Cephas, Xoliso, Rumbidzayi and Charles Marirakwenda and to the publicity team led by Sally (Salani). Photos and videos of the walk are posted on our facebook pages. Check the last item on 'Events and Notices' for links.

Thanks to those who came early to help set up: Mavis Chisvo, Isabell Gwatidzo, Josephine Jombe, Barbara Kachidza, Jonathan Kariwo, Phillip Mahlahla, Nancy Makurira, Eletha Mpofu, Roseline Mukucha, Alfredy Mukuvare, Shiellah Mushunje, Mduduzi Ndlovu, Edmore Pedzisai, Jennipher Sabe, Benson Tsikwa and Ben Jnr Tsikwa. Thanks to Roseline, Josephine and Mavis for looking after the front table, to Nancy, Patience and Ben Tsikwa Jnr for handing out flyers and selling wristbands and to Alfredy, Phillip, Mduduzi, Jonathan and Edmore for putting up the banners.

Special thanks to Deborah Harry and Mercy Bayipayi for bringing sadza and stew to fundraise for ZimPAP, to Patricia Masamba for providing sandwiches for the walkers, to Lucia Mudzimu for bringing fat cakes and nuts to share and to Barbara Kachidza who opened the Vigil with prayer.

The Restoration of Human Rights in Zimbabwe (ROHR) is the Vigil’s partner organization based in Zimbabwe. ROHR grew out of the need for the Vigil to have an organization on the ground in Zimbabwe which reflected the Vigil’s mission statement in a practical way. ROHR in the UK actively fundraises through membership subscriptions, events, sales etc to support the activities of ROHR in Zimbabwe. Please note that the official website of ROHR Zimbabwe is http://www.rohrzimbabwe.org/. Any other website claiming to be the official website of ROHR in no way represents us.

Zimbabwe Action Forum (ZAF) meets regularly after the Vigil to discuss ways to help those back in Zimbabwe to fight oppression and achieve true democracy.

Zimbabwe Yes We Can Movement holds meetings in London as the political face of ROHR and the Vigil.

As Zimbabwe embarks on the final lap before the next elections, all indications are that it will be a repetition of the stolen 2013 polls, nodded through by an acquiescent outside world with political correctness overriding blatant electoral manipulation by Mugabe’s Zanu PF.

Vice President Mnangagwa, speaking on a money-raising trip to South Africa, insisted that the elections would be free and fair, saying electoral reforms had been made to level the playing field, such as the introduction of biometric voter registration.

But this is belied by a report that the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission will still use the database set up by the notorious Israeli company Nikuv International which was accused by the opposition of helping Zanu PF rig the voters’ roll in the last elections.

Renewed support for the Zimbabwe status quo came from former South African president Thabo Mbeki, always pictured hand in hand with Mugabe. He said political leaders who had ‘outstayed their welcome’ must be shown the door – but only by their own people, adding that he would fight any South African who stood up to say Mugabe must go. ‘It’s none of your business’ he insisted.

This is the spurious ‘independence solidarity’ rhetoric which he and other antediluvian leaders have used to legitimise brutal undemocratic regimes – ignoring all evidence of oppression and happily sacrificing the welfare of the people on the altar of sovereignty.

Other points

Plans for the peace walk to fundraise for the Zimbabwe Peace Actors’ Platform (ZimPAP) on Saturday 1st July were discussed. Sipho Ndlovu who recently cycled 324 miles to eight UK towns to raise funds for ZimPAP, has worked out the route for the walk. It will be mostly on pedestrian paths starting at Redbridge station on the Central line. The halfway point will be Victoria Park in Bow. The walkers will then continue to Holborn and from there walk to the Vigil. People were encouraged to get as much sponsorship as possible for the walk. ZimPAP aims to train 100,000 civilian peacekeepers to educate people in their local communities on their constitutional rights and to help overcome fear and intimidation leading up to and after the 2018 elections. The peacekeepers will also monitor incidents of violence and intimidation. Contributions can also be made to: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/zimvigil-co-ordinator.

We were pleased to be joined by Vigil founder member Addley Nyamutaka with her son Mandla, one of the earliest Vigil babies. Addley was a victim of torture and, more than a decade later still suffers the consequences. We hope she will be able to attend a book launch we are thinking of holding soon to mark the publication of a journal of the Vigil.

The Restoration of Human Rights in Zimbabwe (ROHR) is the Vigil’s partner organization based in Zimbabwe. ROHR grew out of the need for the Vigil to have an organization on the ground in Zimbabwe which reflected the Vigil’s mission statement in a practical way. ROHR in the UK actively fundraises through membership subscriptions, events, sales etc to support the activities of ROHR in Zimbabwe. Please note that the official website of ROHR Zimbabwe is http://www.rohrzimbabwe.org/. Any other website claiming to be the official website of ROHR in no way represents us.

When it comes to straight talking Zimbabweans don’t have to look much further than the Manicaland Provincial Affairs Minister Mandi Chimene, who welcomed Mugabe to Mutare for a Zanu PF Youth Rally.

‘Some of you think I have taken weed’, she said. ‘Do I look like someone who took weed today?’ Mugabe said nothing. You could say he sat stoned-faced. Vice President Mnangagwa however, who was sitting next to him, must have had difficulty suppressing a smile.

Chimene, speaking as it were from on high, urged Mugabe to end the divisions in the party over the presidential succession. ‘We end up seeing crocodile smiles because of the divisions,’ she snorted.

Chimene proceeded to demonstrate that she was in full possession of her senses by accusing ministers in the province of looting large tracts of land, among other things. She went on: ‘If it means going down with you, we will fall together Comrade President’.

Mugabe, who is quite capable of falling down by himself, made no response to this offer. But he would hardly have been reassured by Chimene’s undertaking the previous week to Zanu PF Youth leaders preparing for the rally. She promised them they would have no trouble with police road blocks. ‘You said some vehicles do not have wheels, but I will make sure you will not be harassed.’

The Vigil wishes Netsayi Makarichi a speedy recovery. She was in considerable pain after injuring her knee while dancing energetically. We called for an ambulance and the ambulance service, because they were extremely busy, provided a taxi to take her to St Thomas’s hospital over the river. She eventually left the hospital on crutches. Thanks to Fungayi Mabhunu, Cephas Maswoswa and Mduduzi Ndlovu who accompanied her and made sure she got safely home.

Thanks to those who arrived early to help set up: Zodwa Bhebhe, Isabell Gwatidzo, Josephine Jombe, Etines Kapiya, Jonathan Kariwo, Fungayi Mabhunu, Phillip Mahlahla, Alice Majola, Chido Makawa, Heather Makawa, Roseline Mukucha, Alfredy Mukuvare, Esther Munyira, Fungisai Mupandira, Sally Mutseyami, Casper Nyamakura, Jennipher Sabe and Sharon Zimuto. Thanks to Roseline, Catherine Musa and Josephine for looking after the front table, to Esther, Zodwa, Alice Mujola and Isaac Chawasarira for handing out flyers and selling wristbands and to Alfredy, Phillip, Casper, Jonathan and Sharon for putting up the banners. Thanks to Nyarai Masvosva for cooking sadza and stew to fundraise for ZimPAP and to Nontokozo Ncube and Margaret Munenge for serving the food. Thanks to Deborah Harry and Mercy Bayipayi for selling maputi (popcorn) to raise funds for ZimPAP. Thanks also to Nyarai and Phillip for providing extra photFor latest Vigil pictures check: http://www.flickr.com/photos/zimbabwevigil/. Please note: Vigil photos can only be downloaded from our Flickr website. The facebook page for our sister organisation Restoration of Human Rights in Zimbabwe (ROHR) (https://www.facebook.com/ROHR-Zimbabwe-Restoration-of-Human-Rights-301811392835) has been hijacked by destructive elements from a group calling itself ZHRO. Please be advised that any postings on this page are not posted by ROHR.

The Restoration of Human Rights in Zimbabwe (ROHR) is the Vigil’s partner organization based in Zimbabwe. ROHR grew out of the need for the Vigil to have an organization on the ground in Zimbabwe which reflected the Vigil’s mission statement in a practical way. ROHR in the UK actively fundraises through membership subscriptions, events, sales etc to support the activities of ROHR in Zimbabwe. Please note that the official website of ROHR Zimbabwe is http://www.rohrzimbabwe.org/. Any other website claiming to be the official website of ROHR in no way represents us.

Zimbabwe Action Forum (ZAF) meets regularly after the Vigil to discuss ways to help those back in Zimbabwe to fight oppression and achieve true democracy.

Zimbabwe Yes We Can Movement holds meetings in London as the political face of ROHR and the Vigil.

Supporters from the Zimbabwe Vigil’s earliest days, now scattered far and wide, were invited to join us to be photographed for the back cover of a book to be published soon about our protest.

The book’s introduction begins: ‘In the fifteenth year of the weekly Vigil under the windows of Zimbabwe House in London, we produce this journal in the hope that real change is in sight and the country can embrace a future free of the malignant Mugabe influence.’

The book, titled ‘Zimbabwe Emergency’, is based on the Vigil’s diaries which over the years have recorded how events in Zimbabwe have unfolded as seen by the diaspora in the UK. The diaries chronicle the economic disintegration, violence, growing oppression and political manoeuvring – and the tragic human cost involved.

The introduction cautions people of the dangers of further co-operation with Zanu PF’s divisive legacy. It says: ‘They say the leopard never changes its spots. Our fear is that, with the departure of Mugabe, the people of Zimbabwe may again have the Zanu PF leopard foisted on them in some form or other. For the likely results be warned by these pages.‘

All proceeds from the book will go to help the Vigil finance its work in Zimbabwe, which ranges from humanitarian aid to voter education. Much of this is carried out by the sister organisation the Vigil set up at home, the Restoration of Human Rights in Zimbabwe.

ROHR’s latest project is to help the Zimbabwe Peace Actors’ Platform (ZimPAP) which aims to train 100,000 civilian peacekeepers to overcome fear and intimidation, particularly in the rural areas, during next year’s elections.

On Friday about 150 ROHR supporters staged a peace march in the centre of Chitungwiza in defiance of an unconstitutional police attempt to stop them. ROHR President Ephraim Tapa told us that the police later raided the homes of several of the organisers and ordered them to report to the police on Monday. Legal representation is being obtained.

Ephraim said the police had earlier refused to allow a peace march planned in Harare at the end of May. He said ‘this is against the constitution which stipulates that people only have to notify the police about a demonstration, not get permission. It is the police who are being lawless and we must challenge this.’

Other points

Ephraim encouraged people to help raise sponsorship for a walk on Saturday 1st July organised by Daizy Fabian to raise funds for ZimPAP. The walkers will cover 15 miles from Ilford planning to reach the Vigil by 2 pm.

A proof copy of the book was passed around at the the Vigil and aroused much interest – though not perhaps as much as the annual parade of more than a hundred naked and semi-naked cyclists down the Strand past the Embassy. Fortunately for them the weather was bright and sunny this year.

We managed to catch a picture of Mugabe next to the Ambassador’s car. He looked horrified at the cyclists.

Thanks to those who arrived early to help set up: Mavis Chisvo, Enock Dzonga, Jonathan Kariwo, Fungayi Mabhunu, Netsayi Makarichi, Rosemary Maponga, Margaret Munenge, Charles Mupawose, Mduduzi Ndlovu, Edmore Pedzisai, Rumbidzayi Sambana and Michael Sirewu. Thanks to Mavis, Catherine Musa and Netsayi for looking after the front table, to Rosemary, Enock, Nancy Makurira and Rumbidzayi for handing out flyers and selling wristbands and to Mduduzi, Rumbidzayi, Fungayi, Jonathan, Edmore, Charles and Netsayi for putting up the banners. Thanks also to Nyarai Masvosva for the extra photos and to Fungayi for wearing our Mugabe mask.

The Restoration of Human Rights in Zimbabwe (ROHR) is the Vigil’s partner organization based in Zimbabwe. ROHR grew out of the need for the Vigil to have an organization on the ground in Zimbabwe which reflected the Vigil’s mission statement in a practical way. ROHR in the UK actively fundraises through membership subscriptions, events, sales etc to support the activities of ROHR in Zimbabwe. Please note that the official website of ROHR Zimbabwe is http://www.rohrzimbabwe.org/. Any other website claiming to be the official website of ROHR in no way represents us.

Zimbabweans love myths. One of the proofs is the popularity of the suave, sharply-dressed salesmen promising them everything they pray for. Like Mugabe.

Here we bump into one of the great myths of our age: ‘Zimbabweans are the best-educated people in Africa’. If this was ever true it is surely impossible to claim this today with our run-down schools and malnourished pupils and our premier university’s two-month doctorate for Grace Mugabe.

This is not to say our people are stupid. Far from it. Zanu PF is proof of this. Their well-oiled 2018 election strategy is already underway. It is felt everywhere. Mbare for instance is out of bounds to the MDC. Not that there is anything new in the strategy, but they have the intelligence to just go on repeating what works.

This is shown in the experience of our sister organisation Restoration of Human Rights in Zimbabwe which was given the old run-around when they applied to the police for clearance for their constitutional right to stage a peaceful demonstration in Harare at the end of May. For weeks they were made to report to Harare Central to receive clearance only to be turned down at the last minute and threatened with arrest.

Activist Linda Masarira, a member of ROHR, has posted a facebook article titled ‘The election manual: how to rig an election in an Idiocracy’. It begins: ‘Have you noticed that the ruling party is not concerned about the 2018 election? Do you often wonder why? The answer is simple, they have the election bagged!' (See: https://www.facebook.com/lindatsungiriraimasarira/posts/712376948964776.)

Vigil Co-ordinator Fungayi Mabhunu agrees with Linda Masarira’s conclusion that the answer to election rigging lies with the people. He said they must be empowered to overcome the fear instilled by Zanu PF. But he has little trust in opposition politicians who he believes only want to rejoin the gravy train. ‘The way forward must be a transitional authority to take over from Zanu PF, for which the Vigil is asking for UN support,’ he said.

Other points

Our book on the history of the Vigil is with the publishers. We would like photos of current attenders / supporters and will be taking group photos at the next two Vigils (10th and 17th June) to put on the back cover.

ROHR President, Ephraim Tapa, speaking at the regular forum after the Vigil, urged people to use their own initiative to help Zimbabwe. He applauded Daizy Fabian’s new project to help raise funds for the Zimbabwe Peace Actors’ Platform (ZimPAP). Over 30 people have signed up to walk 15 miles from Ilford (starting at 8 am) to the Vigil on Saturday 1st July. They will be asking for sponsorship from their churches, work places, families and friends. For sponsorship forms contact Daizy Fabian, 07708653640,
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
and she will post or email a sponsorship form to you. ZimPAP aims to train 100,000 civilian peacekeepers to overcome fear and intimidation during next year’s elections.

Thanks to those who arrived early to help set up: Patrick Chatukuta, Mavis Chisvo, Flemming Diza, Isabell Gwatidzo, Sibongile Kadzima, Fungayi Mabhunu, Phillip Mahlahla, Michelle Makoni, Nancy Makurira, Nyarai Masvosva, Lawrence Mbamarwo, Darlington Mlambo, Roseline Mukucha, Alfredy Mukuvare, Virginia Mutyambizi, Patience Muyeye, Aivet Phiri and Maxmus Savanhu. Thanks to Roseline, Mavis, Patience and Catherine Musa for looking after the front table, to Nancy, Deborah Harry and Ben Tsikwa Jnr for handing out flyers and selling wristbands and to Alfredy, Maxmus, Darlington and Lawrence for putting up the banners. A special thank you to Nyarai Masvosva who brought sadza and stew to sell to raise funds for ROHR’s ZimPAP project and to Rose Maponga who helped her serve and sell the food.

The Restoration of Human Rights in Zimbabwe (ROHR) is the Vigil’s partner organization based in Zimbabwe. ROHR grew out of the need for the Vigil to have an organization on the ground in Zimbabwe which reflected the Vigil’s mission statement in a practical way. ROHR in the UK actively fundraises through membership subscriptions, events, sales etc to support the activities of ROHR in Zimbabwe. Please note that the official website of ROHR Zimbabwe is http://www.rohrzimbabwe.org/. Any other website claiming to be the official website of ROHR in no way represents us.

Zimbabwe Action Forum (ZAF) meets regularly after the Vigil to discuss ways to help those back in Zimbabwe to fight oppression and achieve true democracy.

Zimbabwe Yes We Can Movement holds meetings in London as the political face of ROHR and the Vigil.